In a significant diplomatic engagement, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday to discuss trade, investment, counterterrorism cooperation, and regional developments, including the May clashes between India and Pakistan.
The meeting, held at the US State Department, marked the first high-level interaction between the two nations in three years and is being considered a breakthrough in Pakistan-US relations. Simultaneously, the US appointed Elizabeth Horst as the acting ambassador to Pakistan, signaling its commitment to maintaining strong ties with Islamabad.
During the discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Pakistan-US partnership, with a particular focus on economic ties, technology, artificial intelligence, and counterterrorism efforts. Mr. Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and praised its role in ensuring regional stability.
Mr. Dar emphasized Pakistan’s potential as a lucrative investment destination for American businesses, particularly in sectors like agriculture, energy, technology, and critical minerals. He revealed that a bilateral agreement on mineral extraction was nearing conclusion and could be finalized in a matter of days.
The two sides also revisited their cooperation in mediating a ceasefire during the May military standoff between India and Pakistan, crediting US diplomacy for averting a potential nuclear confrontation. Mr. Dar called for sustained US involvement in South Asia, advocating for a mechanism to resolve conflicts, particularly over Kashmir.
Moreover, discussions extended to multilateral cooperation, with both nations agreeing on close coordination at forums like the UN Security Council.
In a separate event at the Atlantic Council, Mr. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s stance on resolving tensions with India through dialogue and highlighted the importance of US engagement in fostering peace in the region.
On another note, Elizabeth Horst, the newly appointed acting US ambassador, assumed her role in Islamabad. A seasoned diplomat, Ms. Horst expressed her enthusiasm for working in Pakistan again, where she began her career two decades ago. She underlined the deep cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations, reflecting Washington’s broader commitment to South Asia.
